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Whether you are just starting your wine collection or you already have a big collection, it is important to store your wine properly. You have probably spent a long time curating a wine collection to your personal taste, so it would be a shame not to store all your carefully selected bottles correctly. When stored correctly, most wines can last for decades, some even centuries, and they only grow in quality – and value. However, poor storage can spoil even the best wines.
If you are a true wine lover, take the time to store every bottle properly to maintain its flavour and quality. And do not worry, you do not need a fancy wine cellar to store your wine properly. With these simple eight tips and tricks for storing wine you can enjoy a lovely glass of wine anytime.
#1 Store your wine at the right temperature
Have you noticed that if you go into a proper wine store they will store the wine at different temperatures? There is a reason for that. It is crucial to store wine at the right temperature to preserve its quality. As a rule of thumb wine should be stored between 7-18 degrees celsius. This means the kitchen is too hot and the fridge is too cold. If the temperature is too high, the wine will age faster, and if the temperature is too low, it will not age at all. It is also recommended to store your wine at a consistent temperature, meaning it should not be stored close to a door or a window.
#2 Invest in a wine rack
A wine rack is an easy and beautiful way to store wine bottles. A wine rack keeps the bottles organised and it prevents them from rolling around – plus, it just looks beautiful. Wine racks come in various designs and sizes, so you can choose one that suits your wine collection and your overall interior.
#3 Store your wine bottles horizontally
Did you know that wine bottles should be stored horizontally? That is why you never see vertical wine racks. But why, you may ask. By storing wine bottles horizontally you keep the cork moist. This is important because if the cork dries out, air can seep into the bottle, which can spoil the wine. So, in other words, while it may look beautiful to display your wine bottles on a shelf, it can spoil the wine.
#4 Store your wine at the right humidity
Not only is the temperature important when storing wine, the humidity is also important. Generally speaking, the humidity level should be around 70 percent. If the humidity is too high, mould can grow on the labels and the cork. If on the other hand it is too low, the cork can dry out.
#5 Avoid too much light and vibration
Exposure to light and vibration can also damage your wine. For instance, UV rays from the sun and fluorescent light can cause wine to age prematurely, and it can also change its flavour. Hence, why wine is stored in cellars where it is dark and there is no sunlight. Vibration can also disrupt the natural ageing process. If possible, store your wine in a cool, dark and quiet place.
#6 Do not store your wine in your normal fridge
As mentioned earlier, your normal fridge is too cold for wine. If you wish to store your wine in a fridge, it is highly recommended that you store them in a fridge for wine. A wine fridge is specifically designed for storing wine, and it has the right temperature and humidity – and it protects your wine from vibration and light.
#7 Serve your wine at the right temperature
Now that you have carefully stored your wine at the right temperature and humidity, you also need to serve it at the proper temperature. This ensures you bring out the flavours and aromas. Red wine should be served at room temperature, while white wine should be served chilled, around 7-10 degrees celsius. Sparkling wine should be served around 4-7 degrees celsius, just a tad colder than white wine.
#8 Store open wine bottles properly
It is important to store your open wine bottles correctly. Re-cork the bottle and store the wine in the fridge. Red wine stays good for a few days, while white wine can last for about a week.
By following these tips and tricks for storing wine, you will maintain the flavour and quality of your wine. The three most important things are temperature, humidity and light – this will ensure you can enjoy your wine to the fullest.